Studies have shown that eating chickpeas can improve insulin resistance and reduce total cholesterol. However, there is not enough available evidence to determine the potential effect of consuming chickpeas on breast cancer.

Breast cancer-related effects of
eating
chickpeas

One study found increased colon tumorigenesis in rats fed a diet containing chickpeas and exposed to a known carcinogen versus a normal diet. Another study found that chickpeas can have both cell growth-promoting and cell growth-inhibiting effects, depending on the type of cell.

Population studies normally include chickpeas with dry beans and lentils when evaluating dietary effects, so that it is difficult to isolate the effects of consuming chickpeas specifically on breast cancer risk.

Additional comments

Hummus is a spread or dip made primarily from cooked, mashed chickpeas.

Below are links to recent studies concerning this food. For a more complete list of studies, please click on chickpea.